The family were then transferred to Poole and on April 14, 2013 finally made their journey home.

Dad Tim said: “It has been a real rollercoaster year of emotions. When we found out Michelle was pregnant in September 2012 we were delighted it was twins.

“But Michelle suffered from Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) meaning her body thought it was time to give birth when it wasn’t, and on February 26 last year - at just 25 weeks pregnant - her waters broke.”

Michelle was kept in hospital for six days after her waters broke and was given steroid injections so that the babies’ lungs could function efficiently when she went into labour.

Tim added: “Blossom had terrible reflux after six weeks in hospital and she struggled to breath properly, having to be resuscitated by doctors a few times, which was horrible because it brought back memories of Melodee passing.

“Losing Melodee was devastating; nothing could have prepared us for what happened.

“But one of the things that keeps us going is Blossom and the fact she is doing so well.

“Since she was three months premature, Blossom is three months behind other babies.

“She cannot crawl, walk or talk yet.

“Despite our loss we are so lucky to have Blossom; she really was a miracle. We have also given Blossom the middle name of Melodee so she always has a part of her sister with her.”

The couple will hold a birthday party for Blossom and release balloons in memory of Melodee on Saturday.

What an amazing story of babies surviving at such an early birth - just one week after the current abortion limit. This story proves babies can and do survive at that gestation, so the abortion limit should be set to a max of 12 weeks IMO

Wishing baby Blossom a long and healthy life. She will always have her sister in her heart xx

What an amazing story of babies surviving at such an early birth - just one week after the current abortion limit. This story proves babies can and do survive at that gestation, so the abortion limit should be set to a max of 12 weeks IMO
Wishing baby Blossom a long and healthy life. She will always have her sister in her heart xxwe-shall-see

Hi Yankee1 - we have thanked the NHS countless time and also all the Doctors and Nurses and have become personal friends with some of them since our ordeal - whilst this had been relayed to the Echo there is only so much they can tell of our story - we are eternally greatfull for the life saving work the NHS does - you cannot really put a value on it - and I say it is true people bemoan the NHS and until you have been through something like we have and countless other families you cannot appreciate the great work they do.

Hi Yankee1 - we have thanked the NHS countless time and also all the Doctors and Nurses and have become personal friends with some of them since our ordeal - whilst this had been relayed to the Echo there is only so much they can tell of our story - we are eternally greatfull for the life saving work the NHS does - you cannot really put a value on it - and I say it is true people bemoan the NHS and until you have been through something like we have and countless other families you cannot appreciate the great work they do.timelliott